Good Afternoon, welcome to February! Only 4 more months of winter. Here are a few updates:
ACCESSING ASSITIVE TECHNOLOGY, ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT AND HOME & VEHICLE MODS THROUGH THE WAIVER WEBINAR
The Division of Developmental Disabilities will be presenting a Webinar on items and modifications that can accessed through the waiver on February 19th from 10am to 11:30am. Although it is the same day as the Budget Address, I am hopeful I will be able to start the webinar by talking about the Division's interest in the expansion of technology use for the individuals in our communities, as well as the status of our AT Pilot. We will then turn it over to Jim Eddings and George Bengel who will walk attendees through the process for approval and answer specific questions.
IMPACT ENROLLMENT
We've received a few inquiries in regards to the HFS notice posted last week (https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/MedicalProviders/notices/Pages/prn200128a.aspx). This change would primarily impact individual service delivery providers (such as therapists), suppliers and vendors who sell equipment or technology, and contractors who perform home and vehicle modifications. It will also impact providers who are NEW to providing services to people in the DDD HCBS Waivers. This change does not affect service providers or vendors who are already enrolled through IMPACT with the Division of Developmental Disabilities. This change does not affect individuals who receive HCBS Waiver Services.
HRST UPDATE
As you know, DDD is implementing the electronic version of the Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=118811). I'm happy to report that there are only 8 providers who still need to complete the Service Agreement with Health Risk Screening (HRS). If this is your agency, please do so ASAP! If you have already signed the Service Agreement the next major step is to work with HRS to have both your user data, and individual data, entered into the Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) database. This step must be completed by 3/31/2020.
To date, there are 454 raters entered into the system and in the process of taking the online trainings. An impressive 20% of the raters have already finished the rater training. The first Clinical Reviewer Training for RN Trainers will be on 2/13 at 9am. RN Trainers must complete the Online Rater Training prior to registering for the Clinical Reviewer Training. If you need assistance with signing the Service Agreement, entering your data into the HRST database, or enrolling in any trainings, please email ilsupport@hrstonline.com. For other feedback or questions for the Division please contact: Jennifer.Gentile@illinois.gov
SST SUPPORT NOW FOR SODC TRANSITIONS
You are likely familiar with the Support Service Teams (SST) program. SST provide an interdisciplinary technical assistance and training response to individuals with a developmental disability in a medical or behavioral situation that challenges their ability to live and thrive in the community. Information about SST in the community can be found here: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=50861
In analyzing discharges from our State Operated Developmental Centers (SODCs) into community-based placements, we've found that individuals may require a higher level of support and assistance before, during and after the transition. In the past, individual in SODCs were not eligible for SST assistance until they had fully transitioned to community placement. We are changing the SST guidelines, which will now allow a SST referral prior to moving from an SODC. Now, SST can provide additional support and assistance during the person's transition to bridge the two settings. We are hopeful this will give individuals, and our community-based providers, increased support and confidence that the transition will be successful.
For questions regarding this program please contact: Kelly.Sullivan@illinois.gov
SODC TRANSITION TO CILA
I do want to take this opportunity to remind, or reassert, that the Division would like community-based providers to consider serving individuals that would like to transition out of our SODCs. We will provide a "transition safety net" letter to a provider that may have concerns with accepting a referral from an SODC, which would include a provision that the individual could return to the SODC if the transition was unsuccessful.
For questions regarding this program please contact: Rosemary.Hoch@illinois.gov
Have a great day! Thanks for all you do.
Warmly,
Allison
